[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Don't they say that chronic cocaine use can lead to heart problems later in life?

Cocaine: Rough on the heart, and (your lecturer believes) the second most common cause of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in the U.S.

The recreational drug (1) produces coronary artery constriction (spasm, or whatever, nobody really understands it NEJM 333: 1267, 1995; Am. J. Card. 79: 492, 1997) and cardiac ischemia and even infarction (Circulation 99: 2737, 1999), especially when combined with cigaret smoking (NEJM 330: 454, 1994), which is bad because both increase the heart's need for oxygen; (2) makes the heart more prone to rhythm disturbances, perhaps by enhancing the effects of endogenous catecholamines; (3) can produce single-fiber necrosis and contraction bands (something to do with ion channels), perhaps leading to myocarditis and/or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Future pharmacologists: The drug opens sodium channels, perhaps opens calcium channels, and prevents synaptic re-uptake of catecholamines. Cocaine and the heart: Circulation 85: 407, 1992; Hosp. Pract. 26(9): 83, Sept. 15, 1991; Arch. Path. Lab. Med. 113: 842, 1989.

[cake_crumb]

"(3) can produce single-fiber necrosis and contraction bands (something to do with ion channels), perhaps leading to myocarditis and/or dilated cardiomyopathy."

Really? I didn't know that. Or else have forgotten it. I only know the generalities because I'm trained as a first responder, not a doctor, and don't deal with a lot of cocain probs anymore (thus the possibility of forgetting it). Good information to file away though, thanks.

[hummingbird]

Thanks, NJAPF!